Recycling textiles and used clothing
Why collect and resell?
Nowadays, shoes and textiles are consumer goods par excellence. Changing fashion trends and seasons mean that all kinds of clothing continually cycle in and out of demand. Around 750,000 tonnes of used clothing accumulate each year in Germany alone.
Why is it important to recycle clothing and shoes?
Key concept: Reducing waste
Directly disposing of used clothing and shoes together with rubbish results in higher disposal costs and harms the environment.
Key concept: Humanity
Collecting and recycling used clothing is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to cover the global need for clothing and textiles and create jobs at the same time.
Key concept: Sustainability
Naturally, textile recycling conserves a high volume of raw materials, making this a highly promising solution from an environmental perspective.
Recycling textiles and used clothing – Proper execution
How should used clothing be recycled?
Textile recycling is a socially equitable process – when it is based on a completely transparent recycling chain, that is. Every citizen who wants to make a helpful contribution to the common good by donating used clothing can ensure that these textiles are properly and fairly recycled.
Three arguments for recycling used clothing
1) Most used clothing donated today has only been worn infrequently, which means that it is usually still in good condition, modern and stylish.
2) Well-preserved used clothing can significantly help to cover the current global need for clothing.
3) Many people in developing countries favour high-quality second-hand clothing from Germany over newly produced cheap goods.
Watch out for improper recycling!
RE TEXTIL Deutschland guarantees proper textile recycling through partnerships with established collection companies.
How does the social value chain work in textile recycling?
Step one: Ensure quality and profitability!
Textile collection and recycling cost money. We fully finance these processes through the subsequent sale of used clothing. RE TEXTIL Deutschland also sorts textiles to ensure that only high-quality items of clothing reach second-hand stores.
Step two: Ensure social commitment!
High-quality used clothing makes up an estimated 40 per cent of the total volume of textiles processed through textile recycling. As such, charitable and religious organisations engage in clothing retail to finance their social commitment. Respect-Textil Deutschland sorts textiles to ensure a large selection of well-preserved items of clothing.
Step three: Conserve resources!
RE TEXTIL Deutschland makes sure that the lower-quality used textiles sorted out by our filters (approx. 370,000 tonnes) do not go to waste: They are repurposed as cleaning cloths and insulating material.
Recycling textiles and used clothing – Direct benefits
Immediate results of proper disposal
Old clothing is generally donated in various different conditions. This means that used clothing and shoes can be put to various different uses. Used clothing donations continue to make an important contribution to the various projects undertaken by religious, charitable and municipal institutions.
» Non-profit organisations in Germany help those in need on-site; for example, through clothing stores.
» Sell used clothing in developing countries to cover local demand and optimise the job market by creating corresponding jobs in clothing retail or repurposing.
Used clothing belongs in drop boxes!
Proper textile recycling and reuse reduces waste and sustainably conserves our natural raw materials.